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MODERN OTHELLO 



A Farce-Comedy in One Act 



Adapted from the French of Brisbarre and Marc-Michel 

By*/ 
Walter E. Hoffmann 



('44 0201103 1898 1 

\ . m m ._ < 

Philadelphia 

The Penn Publishing Company 

1898 






567 



Copyright 1892 by Walter E. Hoffmann 



Copyright 1898 by The Penn Publishing Company 



A MODERN OTHELLO 



CAST OF CHARACTERS 

Raphael Partridge, A Modern Othello 

Bertha, His Wife 

Harry Staggins, A Nice Young Man 

Nancy, A Servant- Girl 



Time of Representation : One hour and a half 



COSTUMES 



Partridge. Age 35. Black mustache, side whiskers, 
and hair ; dressing sack and slippers. Change to business 
suit, coat and hat. 

Staggins. Age 28. Blonde curly hair and mustache ; 
walking suit. 

Bertha. Age 25. Pretty morning wrapper. Change to 
street costume. 

Nancy. Age 25. Maid's costume, with cap. 



PROPERTIES 

Two pistols, hat, coat, valise, and bit of ice on plate for 
Partridge, also window glass in window for Partridge 
to break. Two canes, letter, old hat to " smash," and 
shoes for Staggins. Work basket with ball of worsted 
Wound on a piece of paper on table, small pitcher of 
milk and glass and smelling salts for Bertha. Dust cloth 
and skimmer for Nancy. Embroidery work in table 
drawer. 




SCENE. — Nicely furnished parlor, boxed, set in 4th G. 
Entrances: C, to hall; R. U. E., to kitchen; R. 2 E., to 
Partridge's room ; L. U. E., to back stairs ; L. 2 E , to 
Bertha's room. Window, R. 1 E. Fireplace, L. 1 E. 
Wardrobe, up R. Tables and cftairs aoout room. Lounge, 
L., with tiger-skin rug in front of it. 



A MODERN OTHELLO 



SCENE. — Parlor in Partridge's house. For description see 
scene plot. When curtain rises Nancy is dusting the fur- 
niture down l. 

Bertha, (in morning dress, coming out of her room, l. 
2 e.) Where is my husband ? 

Nancy. He's shaving himself — he's just got up 1 

Bertha. At ten o'clock ? So late ? 

Nancy. Well, if you roam about all the night long, in- 
stead of sleeping — 

Bertha. Roam about ? My husband ? 

Nancy. Yes — he sneaks about the whole house — sword 
in hand — 

Bertha. Sword in hand ? At night ? 

Nancy. Yes, with our big kitchen-knife! First, he 
listened at your door — 

Bertha. Heavens ! And then ? 

Nancy. At the hall door, the back stairs; in fact at 
every place where there possibly might be anything to 
overhear — only not at my door ! Then he pulled the curtain 
back from the window and looked into the street. After a 
while he returned to his room and sighed, sighed, as if his 
heart was breaking. 

Bertha. That's very strange — 

Nancy. Ah ! when his first wife was living yet, he acted 
precisely the same way. 

Bertha. Did he ? 

Nancy. The milkman told me so, therefore it must be 
true. He always carried pistols in his pockets — 

Bertha. Why ? 

Nancy. Why ? Because he is jealous. 

Bertha. Is it possible ? I have not noticed it as yet. 

Nancy. You passed the first three months after your 
wedding with your aunt in the country. There he had 
no chances for jealousy, but here in New York it is quite 
different. 

Bertha. It is true, my husband told me his first wife 
made his life miserable. 



6 A MODERN OTHELLO 

Nancy. It is so — the grocer's boy told me. 

Bertha. Oh ! it is awful ! How can a wife deceive her 
husband? 

Nancy. I don't know yet. When I am married I will 
let you know. 

Bertha. He has no reason at all to be jealous ! We 
never take a walk, because he is afraid it will make me 
tired — 

Nancy. He's afraid that somebody might follow you. 

Bertha. I always wear a veil, because he's afraid the 
dust will hurt my eyes. 

Nancy. He's afraid that somebody might see you. 

Bertha. What nonsense you talk! My husband is so 
good — he only thinks of pleasing me {sitting down R. front, 
taki?ig some fancy ?ieedlework out of the drawer of the sew- 
ing-table), and it is my task to make him happy whenever 
I can ! 

Nancy, {who has been dusting all the time, looking at the 
needlework) What a pretty design ! 

Bertha. It is for a skull-cap I want to surprise him with ! 

Nancy. How lovely ! When I have a husband, I, too, 
shall put something nice on his head ! {Continues dusting.) 

(Partridge enters noiselessly from r. 2 e., listens, then 
speaks aside) 

Partridge. What may they have to whisper about ? 

Nancy, {looking backwards, beholds Partridge, cries 
aloud) Ah ! 

Bertha, {hastily concealing the needlework in the drawer) . 
My husband ! 

Partridge, {aside) They are confused ! 

Bertha, {going to meet him) Good-morning, Raphael ! 

Partridge, {smiling, always looking at the drawer) 
Good-morning, darling ! What did you — 

Bertha, {interrupting him) Did you sleep well ? 

Partridge. Yes — did you ? 

Bertha, {as before) You look a little pale ! 

Partridge. I am quite well ! {going to the sewing-table) 
What did you conceal there ? 

Bertha, {quickly) Oh, nothing — nothing — 

Partridge {walking toward table) Yes, you did ! 

Bertha. Don't open it ! 

Partridge. I am very inquisitive — it is almost my sole 
defect — 

Bertha, {tries to keep him back) I pray you — 



A MODERN OTHELLO 7 

Partridge, {opening drawer) A skull-cap ! A gentle- 
man's house-cap ! For whom is it, Mrs. Partridge ? 

Bertha. For whom should it be ? It is for you, Mr. 
Partridge ! 

Partridge, {aside) What a fool I am ! {aloud, turning 
his cheek toward her). Hit me, Bertha ; hit me hard — I de- 
serve it. 

Bertha. Oh, the handsome embroidery is entirely 
mussed up, you wicked man ! {Goes to the table and brings 
the embroidery and wool carefully in order before putti?ig 
them away) 

Partridge {aside) I thought she had deceived me like 
my first wife. One day I find a portfolio. " Stop !" cries 
the cheat, " don't open it — it is a surprise for you !" But I 
did open it, and found — the picture of a fine young gentle- 
man ! It was not a jolly surprise, indeed ! 

Bertha, {comes back to him) What did you say, my dear ? 

Partridge, {looking out of the window, aside) I knew 
it — there he is again — the rascal ! 

Bertha. Something interesting to see there ? {Walks 
up to him) 

Partridge. The beautiful clouds ! But tell me, darling, 
how do you pass away the time when I am out ? Do you 
look out of the window sometimes to get fresh air ? 

Bertha. No, only to see you coming ! 

Partridge. How kind you are! For no other pur- 
pose? 

Bertha. What else should it be for ? 

Partridge. I don't know myself! But can you tell 
me who the young fellow on the other side of the street is 
who hangs out of his window all day long ? 

Bertha. A young fellow ? 

Partridge. {pointi?ig through the opening of the cur- 
tains) This one — there — opposite us ? 

Bertha. Yes, now I see — I did not notice him before ! 

Partridge. Pshaw ! 

Bertha. I see him for the first time — 

Partridge. Really? {aside) Does she tell the truth? 
{aloud) What a beautiful curly head ! 

Bertha. Do you think so ? 

Partridge. Maybe he is a hairdresser ! 

Bertha. Do you want him to fix your head? 

Partridge. {a?igry) Heaven forbid ! Nobody shall do 
that — {quieting down again) But why is this idler, day 
and night — 

Nancy, {aside to Bertha) Do you hear ? At night ! 



8 A MODERN OTHELLO 

Partridge. — at his window ? He's smoking, reading, 
gaping, and continually busying himself with his two carna- 
tion-pots ! 

Bertha. I did not know anything about all this. How- 
ever, it seems so natural — 

Partridge. Natural ! — You are a child ! Don't you 
comprehend, that this friend of flowers knows the language 
of flowers, too ? 

Bertha. The language of flowers ? 

Partridge. Certainly, and — he has cast an eye on you ! 

Bertha. What a queer idea ! 

Partridge, {walking toward the window) Here's the 
proof — he already looks over here again — 

Nancy, (aside) The milkman is right, as I told her 
before ! {Exit r. u. e.) 

(Bertha seats herself l. f.) 

Partridge, (always looking through the wi?idow) Nice — 
really nice ! Now he's watering his flowers, — h'm, it's getting 
better every day ! Now he's smoking — blowing ringlets — 
he closes the window and draws the left part of the curtains 
forward. Why the left part — why not the right one ? 

Bertha. I don't understand you ! 

Partridge, (crying aloud) Ha! 

Bertha. What is it? 

Partridge. Now I have got it — it is clear! (aside) "Physi- 
ology of Matrimony," page 52 — oh, I have not studied Bal- 
zac's treatise in vain, (aloud) Yes, it is as clear as daylight! 

Bertha. What ? 

Partridge. The declaration of love ! 

Bertha. Made to me ? 

Partridge. Yes, to you ! — Listen ! The flower pot sig- 
nifies : my beloved one ! That is clear, is it not, eh ? 

Bertha. Does it mean that ? 

Partridge. The left part of the curtains, — mark me 
well, the left part : my heart, — the lighted cigar : burns, — the 
ringlets : with love. My beloved one, my heart burns with 
love! 

Bertha. Oh, that is awful — and I had no idea of it — 
how good that you draw my attention to it — I never shall 
go near the window again ! 

Partridge, (delighted) Ah, that is balsam on my 
wound ! 

Bertha. You will confide in me ? 

Partridge. Certainly — certainly ! (aside) I should have 
the window mured up — but my wife will scarcely consent 



A MODERN OTHELLO Q 

to it. Well, best rent another flat ! {to Bertha) Now I have 
to go to my tailor's, my dear — I shall be back very soon ! 
{Kissing her forehead.) 

Bertha. Do not stay away too long, dear. Meanwhile 
I shall dress for luncheon. 

{Exit l. 2 E.) 

Partridge, {walks toward the door at back, but changes 
his mind and returns) I consider her true and virtuous, 
but — my first wife was so, too, until — she cheated me. 
Yes — I will move — I'll look out for a cozy flat — with win- 
dows toward the garden or the back-yard. {Has meanwhile 
mechanically examined the contents of the small work-basket 
on the sewing-table and takes up a ball of worsted, which he 
contemplates eagerly) H'm ! That has been wound up on 
paper. What kind of paper may it be ? Ha ! Perhaps a 
letter, a poem — -but — I trust in her ! {He sits down and 
unwinds the worsted) How would it be if I would make 
Nancy my confidant ! {calling) Nancy ! Perhaps I may 
derive some profit from this innocent country lass ! 

Nancy, {enters r. u. e., a large skimmer in hand, her arms 
bare) Did you call me ? 

Partridge. My child, I took you from your village to 
live with us because nowadays truth is only to be found 
among lettuce, hot-beds, and cornstalks ! Please tell me, 
wouldn't you like to make some extra money to save up 
for a rainy day ? 

Nancy. Extra money, besides my wages ? Well, that 
would not be bad ! But what do you want me to do ? 

Partridge. Only very little, {pointing out of windoiv) 
Do you see that pomadized curly-head over there ? Do 
not lose sight of him for a second, and report exactly all 
his movements — 

Nancy. But — 

Partridge, {rising) Hush ! {dramatically) One eye on 
him — the other on my wife, whose steps you have to watch 
also ! Then you will tell me minutely all you have seen — 

Nancy. But — 

Partridge. Hush ! Remember the extra money for a 
rainy day ! {Sitting down and continuing to unwind the 
ball of 'worsted.) 

Nancy, {looking at him, aside) What's he doing now ? 

Partridge, {has completely unwound the worsted, rising) 
Ah ! the paper — what may it contain ? ( Unfolding it hastily \ 
reading) Mrs. Gladstone's recipe for home-made mince 
pies. {Aside, throwing the paper away) Nothing — nothing ! 



IO A MODERN OTHELLO 

Nancy, (aside) Such a husband wouldn't suit me. 

Partridge, (aside) I hope to be more fortunate the 
next time. (Aloud) Now, my innocent country-bud, take 
your seat here (pressing her i?ito the chair near the window) 
and begin your glorious duty. 

Nancy. Yes, but my milk is boiling over. 

Partridge. Be still ! (Aside) I have won her. (About 
to leave, turns once more to Nancy. With importance) Re- 
member the extra money for a rainy day. 

(Exit c. inflate 

Nancy, (rising) What does he take me for ? I never 
shall betray my mistress. (Calling) Madame! Madame ! 

Bertha, (enters l. 2 e. with a letter) Ah ! it is you, 
Nancy ! (Aside) It must be — my peace and his, too, depend 
on it. 

Nancy. Only think, madame, Mr. Partridge wants me to 
act the part of a detective on you — 

Bertha. What ? 

Nancy. Yes; and as a reward he promised me some 
extra money besides my wages for a rainy day. 

Bertha. I pity him. How can he cause so much trouble 
for himself without any reason ? By-the-by, Nancy, do 
what he told you. Tell him all I do ; that will be the best 
remedy to cure him and to convince him of the ground- 
lessness of his apprehensions. Do tell him all — all — but 
don't mention the errand I now want to send you on. 

Nancy. Oh ! 

Bertha. Silence ! Carry this letter at once to the 
gentleman across the street. 

Nancy. But — 

Bertha. Be still ! Hurry up ! 

Nancy. But how — 

Bertha. Hush ! Return immediately. 

Nancy, (aside) That's very strange. But I surely will 
not tell Mr. Partridge of it. 

(Exit c. in fiat}) 

Bertha. I hope when the young gentleman has read 
my letter — Strange ! I have had no idea of his exist- 
ence ! For my sake he could have smoked, drawn his cur- 
tains, and changed the places of his carnation-pots as long 
as he liked ! I wouldn't have found any danger for me in 
it ! But now it is different, and therefore my letter will put 
an end to his strange actions. The young man will under- 
stand that he must give up his intentions — 



A MODERN OTHELLO II 

Nancy. (Comes hastily in c, in flat, excited?) Madame ! 
he's coming ! he's coming ! 

Bertha. Who's coming? 

Nancy. The young gentleman from across the street ! 

Bertha. Is it possible ? 

Nancy. When he had read your letter, he exclaimed : 
" What does this mean ? I want an explanation. What 
kind of a joke is this intended for ?" 

Bertha. A joke ! 

Nancy. He will be here at once {walks towards the 
centre door). 

Bertha. Send him away! Tell him I am out — and 
cannot give any further explanations ! (Running off, r. 2 e.) 

(Harry Staggins appearing c, in flat. He carries a walk- 
ing-stick.) 

Staggins. My little country lass ! Here I am 1 (entering) 
Please tell your mistress — 

Nancy. Has been done already ! She says she is out ! 

Staggins. Is she ? Well, then, I shall wait for her ! 

Nancy. What ? You want to stay here ? 

Staggins. If necessary, until to-morrow morning ! 

Nancy. Such an idea ! 

Staggins. (sitting down, r. front.) Well, I don't leave 
before the puzzle has been solved. 

Nancy. But — 

Staggins. Go, call your mistress ! 

Nancy. She is not in. 

Staggins. Nonsense ! Call her ! 

Nancy. Well, I go! (aside) If Mr. Partridge would 
come home now, heavens ! (Exit l. 2 e.) 

Staggins : (rising, puts his hat on the table and leans his 
cane against the chair) I do not move from this place until 
I know what this odd letter means ; it is not All-Fool's Day 
to-day ! (reading) " Sir ! I request of you to discontinue 
your telegraphic signals. They insult and compromise 
me ! I do not need to put my name to this letter ; you 
know who sends it !" (Speaking). I know nothing, nothing 
at all. 

(Bertha and Nancy appear l. 2 e.) 

Nancy, (whispering to Bertha) You see, he wants to 
stay here ! 

Bertha, (to Nancy) That's too bad ! (Aloud) Sir ! 

Staggins. (bowing) Madame! (Aside) Ah, how beau- 
tiful she is ! 



12 A MODERN OTHELLO 

Bertha, {to Nancy) Keep near at hand ! (Nancy goes off 
r. u. E.) 

Bertha, {to Staggins) I am surprised, sir ! 

Staggins. Excuse me, but concerning surprises, there 
seems to be my turn first ! You have sent me a very mys- 
terious letter, and — 

Bertha. I think my letter is very plain, Mister— Mister — 

Staggins. My name is Harry Staggins ! But will you 
not please explain — 

Bertha. Well, sir, if you need an explanation yet, let 
me tell you, your behavior is to the utmost degree — 
unbecoming ! By it you keep me a prisoner in my own 
rooms and prevent me appearing at my window ! 

Staggins. {aside) Oh, I have offended her ? {Aloud) I 
have neglected to draw my curtains to. 

Bertha. On the contrary, you draw too much on them ! 

Staggins. {startled) Oh! 

Bertha. Especially on the left part of them. 

Staggins. {aside) Behind which I'm dressing — very 
good, indeed ! 

Bertha. Besides this you pass the whole day on your 
window — 

Staggins. To get fresh air — 

Bertha. Only to get fresh air ? 

Staggins. {aside) Why else should I do it ? 

Bertha, {continuing) You smoke — you constantly change 
the positions of your flower-pots — 

Staggins. Dear me ! The flowers want shadow, when 
the sun comes out — {aside) Is this lady perhaps a little dis- 
ordered {touching his forehead) here? {aloud) I assure you, 
madame — 

Bertha. Do not attempt to deny it, sir ! In fact, your 
actions are offensive to me, and I beg you to stop them. 

Staggins. Offensive ? What do you take my smoking 
cigars, my curtains and flower-pots for, I should like to 
know? 

Bertha. Oh ! that's plain enough — for a silent decla- 
ration of love. 

Staggins. What ? A declaration of love ? By me ? 
To you ? {aside) It seems indeed as if — {repeats the move- 
ment to his forehead) {Aloud) But, who could talk such non- 
sense into your head ? 

Bertha. My husband. 

Staggins. Your husband ? Let me tell you again, he 
is mistaken — 

Bertha. Well ? 



A MODERN OTHELLO 1 3 

Staggins. I had no idea of your existence until now. 

Bertha. Truly ? 

Staggins. I never noticed you before. 

Bertha. Is that really so ? 

Staggins. It is only that I have not been fortunate 
enough to see you before, {aside) She's charming ! {aloud) 
Besides that, I am about starting in business for myself to 
get married — that means, getting married, to start in busi- 
ness for myself — 

Bertha. You are to be married ? 

Staggins. Yes ; to a widow — her late husband dealt in 
walking canes. My bride to be went out of town and I 
expect her back every minute — 

Bertha. I am puzzled, sir — excuse me — don't be angry 
with me — 

Staggins. Angry ? On the contrary, I am really sorry 
that my window — 

Bertha. Please, sir — 

Staggins. But people in my condition have no choice. 
If you have no means, there is no other means than mar- 
rying a rich widow of certain means ! But my widow is 
well preserved — wonderfully well preserved for her years ! 
She only has one fault — a very violent temper ! 

Bertha. Has she ? 

Staggins. And she is jealous — like a tigress ! 

Bertha. Poor man ! I can imagine what you have to 
suffer. My husband, too, is jealous— jealous as Othello ! 

Staggins. I pity you ! Only think of this — my widow 
has a special notion of making me presents of— walking- 
sticks ! I am already the owner of eighteen canes ! 

Bertha, (laughing) Ha ! ha ! Eighteen walking-sticks ! 

Staggins. She counts them over every day. If one 
should be missing, my widow and the previously men- 
tioned " means " would be lost to me forever! 

Bertha. I hope you will forget my foolish letter — 

Staggins. {courteously) Never! It procured me the 
honor of your acquaintance ! May I sometimes call on you 
to see how you are ? 

Bertha. That's impossible, sir! My husband is so 
jealous — 

Staggins. I can find that only natural, such a charming 
lady as you — 

Bertha. Please — no flatteries ! Will you promise me 
to look out of your window not quite so frequently ? 

Staggins. I'll nail the shutters shut ! 

Bertha. To let your flower-pots alone — 



14 A MODERN OTHELLO 

Staggins. I'll put them under my bed. 

Bertha. And to assume that we never have met/? 

Staggins. That will be very hard for me, but to please 
you — 

Bertha. You are very obliging, sir. (Aside) He's a 
nice young man. 

Staggins. (looking at her in admiration, asiqle) What a 
beautiful woman she is. 

Nancy, (through the centre door, whispers) Mr. Partridge 
is coming. 

Bertha. Heavens ! My husband. 

Staggins. (taking his hat, saluting her) Madame. 

Bertha. Please, sir, take the back stairs. 

Staggins. I would go over the roof to accommodate you. 

(Nancy and Staggins exeunt l. u. e., Staggins leaving 
cane)) 

Bertha. This young man is indeed very obliging, and 
so original, too. How Raphael could believe he loves me ! 
(Sitting down L.) 

Partridge, (enters c. in flat, aside) I have not yet found 
a suitable flat. 

Nancy. Returning from l. u. e., approaches Bertha, not 
noticing Partridge) He is gone. 

Partridge, (quickly) Who is gone ? 

Bertha and Nancy. Oh ! 

Bertha, (going to meet Partridge) Let me tell you. 

Partridge, (furiously) Gone ? Who's gone ? I want 
to know ! He ; that means a male person ; a young man ; 
a lover. 

Bertha. My dear — 

Partridge, (shouting and stamping the ground with his 
feet) He! Who? Who is he ? 

Bertha, (aside) What excitement. I will tell him. 

Partridge. He ! Who ? 

Nancy, (decidedly) The iceman. 

Partridge. The iceman ? Let us see. (Runs off r. u. e.) 

Bertha. Why did you tell him a lie, Nancy ? 

Nancy. Who does not want to hear the truth must accept 
a lie ; and then, too, his rage frightens me — I am so timid. 

(Partridge returns r. u. e., with a small piece of ice 
on a plate. 

Partridge. This is all the ice in the house. 
Nancy. But — 



A MODERN OTHELLO 1 5 

Bertha. Keep quiet, Nancy ! 

Partridge. No ; do not kfcep quiet, Nancy ! Speak, 
innocent country bud ! 

Nancy. Our ice-box was empty, and hearing an ice- 
man crying out his " Ice ! Ice !" in the street, I ran down- 
stairs, but he was gone already, and therefore I said to Mrs. 
Partridge : " He is gone !" 

Partridge, {to Bertha) Speak the truth ! Why didn't 
you tell me so at once, darling ? 

Bertha. You didn't give me the time {aside) to invent 
an excuse ! 

Partridge. Your tarrying and confusion could make 
me jealous — me, your husband, full of confidence in you ! 

Bertha {aside) He, and confident ! 

Partridge {near the window, aside) What's this ? No 
more signals ? No flower-pots ? Nothing ? What does 
this mean ? What signal may the absence of any signal 
indicate ? 

Bertha, {aside) Gracious — the young man left his cane ! 
( Takes it and hides it behind herself?) 

Partridge, {in turning, notices this ; quickly, to Bertha) 
What are you hiding there ? 

Bertha. Oh, nothing ! 

Nancy, {whispering to Bertha) Handittome! {Hides 
the cane behind herself, and is about to pass out, humming a 
popular song}) 

Bertha, {to Partridge) Nothing — do you see it now! 
{showing her hands.) 

Partridge {angrily to Nancy) Halt! And you — what 
have you got there ? 

Nancy. Nothing ! 

Partridge. Let me see your hands ! — The other one — 
the other one — both at the same time ! 

{She has hidden the cane behind herself, and when showing 
him both hands. Partridge draws her one step forward, 
and the cane drops to the groimd. He takes it up.) 

Ha! What's this? 

Nancy. {trembli?ig) A — a stick! 

Partridge, {furiously) A Spanish cane ! 

Bertha. Let me tell you — 

Partridge, {furiously) Do you want to persuade me 
that this cane belongs to the iceman, who has not been 
here at all ? 

Bertha. Listen quietly — 



1 6 A MODERN OTHELLO 

Partridge, (in highest fury) Quietly ! I am quiet ! 
Quite quiet! • 

Bertha. This cane — 

Nancy. Yes, this cane — 

Bertha, (to Nancy) Be silent ! 

Partridge. No, be not silent! Nancy will speak! 
She is the goddess of truth ! Now ? 

Nancy. Well, this cane — 

Partridge. Speak, speak ! 

Nancy. Is a surprise for you ! 

Bertha, (aside) The young man's cane ! If he should 
reclaim it ? 

Partridge, (confused) A surprise for me ? What a big 
fool I am ! 

Nancy. Surely. 

Partridge, (to Nancy) Keep your thoughts for your- 
self! (to Bertha, turning his cheek toward her) Hit me, 
Bertha, hit me hard — I deserve it ! 

Bertha. You wicked man ! Will you now confide in 
me? 

Partridge. Always — evermore ! (aside, looking at the 
cane) Strange ! The cane is not a new one ! 

Staggins. (e?itering c. hi fiat) I have forgotten to take 
my cane with me, and my widow — - 

Bertha and Nancy. Heavens ! 

Partridge. What now ! 

Staggins. (aside) Thunders! That is the husband — 
the bloodthirsty Othello ! 

Partridge, (aside) The curly-head. 

Bertha, (to Staggins) Not a word ! 

Nancy, (to Staggins) Be silent ! 

Staggins. (aside) How is this ? He has my stick ! 

Partridge, (very politely) Please come in, sir. Be 
seated. 

Staggins. You are very kind, (aside) These features ! 
He really looks worse than Othello. 

Nancy, (aside) Now the fun commences. 

Bertha, (aside) What will happen ? 

Partridge, (aside, touching his pockets) I have got my 
pistols, that's sufficient. 

Staggins. (aside) That man frightens me — 

Partridge, (very politely) What can can I do for you, 
sir ? You wish — 

Staggins. Yes, that's it. I wish — 

Nancy, (aside to Staggins) Not a word about your stick. 

Partridge. You wish — 



A MODERN OTHELLO 1 7 

Staggins. To speak to you. 

Partridge. Very well, what is it ? 

Staggins. I — I — I — 

Partridge. Continue. What more ? 

Staggins. Oh, I see ; you are busy — I trouble you. I 
shall call again {about leaving). 

Partridge, {retaining him) No, no ; remain, please ! 
You do not trouble me at all ! Speak ; I am ready to hear 
you ! 

Staggins. Sir ! 

Partridge. Sir ? 

Bertha, {aside) What tortures ! {quickly, aside to Stag- 
gins) Tell him anything you like. 

Nancy, {on the other side of him) Not a word. 

Staggins. {confused) How? 

Partridge. Perhaps you wish — 

Staggins. It is so ! 

Partridge. To see me on private matters. 

Staggins. Yes, sir ; exactly so ! {aside) The situation 
gets tangled up more yet. I don't know how to save my- 
self. 

Partridge, {having mea?twhile privately spoken to Ber- 
tha and Nancy) Well, you'll leave us alone — 

Bertha. But — 

Nancy, {aside to Staggins) Be careful ! He is a regular 
tiger ! {Exit with Bertha, l. 2 e.) 

Staggins. {aside) A tiger ! She herself told me he is an 
Othello ! {approachi?ig the door) I guess I need some fresh 
air. 

Partridge, {dragging him back by his coat tails) Where 
to, my dear sir ? 

Staggins. I — I have to buy a tooth brush. 

Partridge. Delay this important business for a little 
while yet. We are all by ourselves — you may speak undis- 
turbed — 

Staggins. Undisturbed — I am sorry ! 

Partridge. Take a seat, sir ! {Seating himself, holdi?ig 
the stick before himself?) 

Staggins. {seating himself near him, aside) What shall 
I tell him ? {aloud, putting his hand upon the stick) My — 

Partridge, {putting his hand upon Staggins' hand) Mo, 
mine — 

Staggins. {putting his hand upon Partridge's hand) No, 
mine — 

Partridge, {putting his hand tipon Staggins' hand) 
Mine — 



I 8 A MODERN OTHELLO 

Staggins. It is for me, to explain, that — 

Partridge. Go on, explain — 

Staggins. Is it not obtrusive — if I — if I venture to put 
a confidential question—a question — relating to your private 
life ? How long have you lived here in this house ? 

Partridge. About five years. 

Staggins. {rising) Then you cannot give me the informa- 
tion I wish. 

Partridge, {pressing him back i?ito his chair) Perhaps I 
can — what do you want to know ? 

Staggins. {stammering) Whether — whether the stoves 
are smoking ? 

Partridge. Really? Are you perhaps a chimney- 
sweeper ? 

Staggins. Sir ! 

Partridge. Well, haven't you been an iceman before ? 

Staggins. An iceman! {with pride) Excuse me, sir ; I am 
a licensed drug clerk, and want to rent a flat in this house. 

Partridge. Ah ! that's splendid ! {aside) The rascal. 
Now, I understand all ! He has been here — not the iceman ; 
that is his cane — he shall have it ! ( Taking good hold of the 
stick) 

Staggins. {frightened, aside) What is he going to do, 
now? 

Partridge. I want to give you some more explanations. 
You lovely curly-head, you ! ( Touching his hair, raising the 
cane) 

Staggins. {aside) Goodness gracious ! 

Partridge. Stay where you are ! {aside) I must secure 
the exit. ( When turning his back, Staggins rushes to the 
centre door) 

Staggins. It is high time to escape from this Othello ! 
{Quickly off c.) 

Partridge. The coward ! This miserable rascal — he 
has escaped! 

Bertha and Nancy, {hurrying from l. 2 e.) What's the 
matter now ? 

Partridge, {suddenly quiet and smiling) Oh ! nothing, 
my angel — I had a talk with this young man — he is indeed 
very nice — {aside) I must calm her. Perhaps then I may 
succeed in catching her. 

Bertha. Did you find out — 

Partridge. That he is guiltless — yes ! 

Bertha. And will you never again suspect me ? 

Partridge. Never ! {as if suddenly remembering some- 
thing) Oh! 



A MODERN OTHELLO 1 9 

Bertha. What is it ? 

Partridge, {looking at his watch) It is late — I shall miss 
my train — • 

Bertha. Miss your train ? Are you going away from 
me? 

Partridge. Yes, darling! (to Nancy) Quick, get my 
satchel ! 

(Exit Nancy, r. 2 e.) 

Bertha. But tell me, please — 

Partridge. I forgot to mention that I met this morn- 
ing at my tailor's an old school-fellow whom I have not 
seen for twenty-five years. He lives in a comfortable villa 
in Nyack and I promised to spend a day or two with him. 
I think I shall be back again at noon to-morrow, my darling. 

(Enter Nancy r. 2 e.) 

Nancy, (with satchel) Here, sir, is your satchel ! 

Bertha, (handing him his hat) Will you think of me, 
dear ? 

Partridge. Certainly ! Your image will always be be- 
fore my eyes — and your cane in my hand. Come, Nancy ! 

Nancy, {aside to Bertha) That's a snare. Be careful ! 

Partridge. Have I got everything? (aside) Within 
half an hour I am back again — and like a tiger I shall jump 
amongst the guilty ones, (aloud) Good-bye, darling. 

Bertha. Good-bye, Raphael, until to-morrow. 

(Partridge kisses her forehead ; Nancy follows him with 
satchel out c.) 

Bertha. Should this journey really be pretended to 
ensare me ? Does he thus reward my faith, my sincerity ? 
With jealousy, distrust, and foul suspicion ? Ah ! If he 
treated his first wife like this, I understand how she could 
get square — 

Staggins. (enteri?ig c, with another cane) Here I am 
again ! 

Bertha (turni?ig toward him) You here again ? 

Staggins. I saw your husband leaving the house 

Bertha. What ? Do you return on that account ? 

Staggins. Believe me, madame, there are important 
reasons for my venturing again into the lair of the tiger ! 

Bertha. Sir? 

Staggins. (flourishing his cane) But this time I am 
armed, too — though it is not on his account. 

Bertha. You merely came to see me ? 



20 A MODERN OTHELLO 

Staggins. No ; I told you before I had more important 
reasons. My cane — 

Bertha. Yes — I — 

Staggins. Just now I got a letter from my widow — she 
returns to-night — and therefore please let me have my cane ! 

Bertha. Your cane ? 

Staggins. Yes, my cane ! My future happiness, the 
tranquillity of my mind, depend upon it ! Please let me 
have it! 

Bertha. I haven't got it — I made my husband a present 
of it? 

Staggins. Of my cane ? 

Bertha. I was forced to do it ! There was no other 
escape to keep your call a secret to him ! Do not reproach 
me ! I readily will pay for it ! 

Staggins. Pay for my cane ? Millions couldn't com- 
pensate for the loss of it ! 

Bertha. Didn't you tell me you had eighteen of these 
canes ? 

Staggins. Well — but now one is short, and if my widow 
discovers it, I am lost — and her money is lost to me, too ! 
She is jealous, like — well, like your husband ! 

Bertha. I am indeed very sorry — but at present I am 
unable to help you. Please leave me at once — in case my 
husband should return — 

Staggins. I am very sorry, too — but without my cane I 
cannot leave you ! 

Bertha. Remember, he is armed, and the tiger is 
excited — Othello pants for blood ! 

Staggins. {frightened) Blood? Excuse me, why didn't 
you tell me that before ? 

Bertha. Hurry up, sir ! Flee for your life ! 

{Door c, opens, and Nancy appears, looking through the 

' ?■) 



Bertha, {frightened) Heavens ! 

Nancy. He's coming ! He's coming ! 

Staggins Who ? The tiger ? The Othello ? 

Bertha. My husband ! {to Nancy) Which way ? 

Nancy. I don't know ! {quickly closi?ig the door.) 

Bertha. Save yourself! 

Staggins. If I only could — but where ? Where ? 

{Runs towards the door l. u. e., it is opened the same time, 
and he hides himself behind it, dropping cane. Partridge 
rushes in.) 



A MODERN OTHELLO 2 1 

Partridge. I have forgotten to take my umbrella with 
me! 

Bertha, {trembling) Have you ? 

Staggins. {aside, dodging through the door, l. u. e.) 
Away ! Away ! 

Partridge, {aside) He is here! {aloud, tenderly, but look- 
ing around suspiciously) What is the matter with you, Ber- 
tha, you're trembling ? 

Bertha. You frighten me so. 

Partridge. Calm yourself, darling ! I couldn't depart 
without my umbrella. 

Bertha, {aside, after vainly looking around for Staggins) 
Heaven be praised! He is gone ! 

Partridge. ( taking up the second cane, which Staggins 
dropped) Ha ! What have we here ? 

Bertha. What is it ? 

Partridge. A bamboo cane ! 

Bp:rtha. {frightened) Heavens ! 

Partridge, {diabolically) Can you perhaps explain this 
veritable rain of canes, Mrs. Partridge ? 

Bertha. Let me tell you — 

Partridge, {raving) The wretch has hidden himself ! 
{Closes the centre door and draws the key out) But he shall 
not escape ! {takes two pistols out of his pockets and walks 
into Bertha's room l. 2 e., holding the two canes tinder his 
arms) Come, rascal, come ! 

Bertha. How lucky ! He escaped in time. 

Staggins. {looking through the door l. u. e., seeing that 
Partridge is not present, enters hastily, goes r., looks 
around and whispers to Bertha, who has no idea of his pres- 
ence) I left my cane here. 

Bertha. Ah ! Unhappy man ! He has found it ! He's 
searching for you ! You are lost if he finds you ! 

Staggins. {frightened) Holy mustard ! {makes a move- 
ment as if to flee l. u. e.) 

Bertha. \listeni?ig) It is too late ! Quick, into this 
room ! {shoving him out r. 2 e.) 

Partridge, {coming out of l. 2 e.) He's not in here ; 
maybe he's in my room ! {walks over to his room, the pis- 
tols in his hands and the canes under his arms) 

Bertha, {trying to keep him back) Hear me, please — 

Partridge, Step back, monster! Do not hinder my 
deed of vengeance ! 

Bertha. For Heaven's sake — 

Partridge, {threatening) Make way, faithless wife! 
{Exit r. 2 e.) 



2 2 A MODERN OTHELLO 

Bertha. He must be off ! 

Staggins. {has in the meantime sneaked out of Par- 
tridge's room and hidden behind the curtains. He is minus 
his hat and carries his shoes in his hand) Othello is let 
loose, but he shall not catch me ! 

Bertha. Get away at once. 

Staggins. I should like to, but whither ? how ? 

Partridge, {in his room, shouting) Ha! Thunder and 
lightning ! 

Bertha. He comes back. Quick, into the kitchen. 
{Shoves him off, r. u. e.) 

Partridge, {entering r. 2 e., Staggins' hat in ha?id.) A 
gentleman's hat. 

Bertha, {aside) The careless fellow. {Aloud) It is your 
old one. 

Partridge, {try i?ig to put it on his head) It is much too 
small for me. ( Throws it on the floor and tramples on it.) 
Take that, time-worn castor. 

Staggins. {appearing at r. u. e.) My hat ! 

Partridge. Soon I will crush the bones of your owner, 
too, should he be hidden in the kitchen ! 

Staggins. {coming in r. u. e., hides himself behi?id the 
easy-chair, his boots in hand) Ha ! 

Bertha, {trying to keep Partridge back) I implore you — 

Partridge. Stand back, perfidious wife ! {runs off r. 
u. E.) 

Bertha, {to Staggins, who comes forward from behind 
the easy chair) For Heaven's sake, save yourself, and don't 
come back again. {Ope?is the door l. u. e.) 

Staggins. {in his exciteme?it, losing one of his shoes, runs 
off L. u. E.) I am saved ! 

Partridge, {entering r. u. e.) Here, too, is nobody. 
{Noticing Staggins' shoe, he puts it on the top of a cane) 
A shoe ! 

Bertha, {aside) I'm dying. 

Partridge, {walking toward the window) But where are 
you, deceiver ? {Looking aroimd everywhere for Staggins, 
smashes the window-pane with a cane. The clatter of broken 
glass is heard. He opens the wardrobe, closes it again, then 
opens the door l. u. e.) Ha ! Should he — 

Bertha, {aside) Heavens ! 

Partridge. No ; I came in here myself. Ha ! {Run- 
ning to the fireplace, pushing his cane up the chimney) 
Come down, Lothario ! Come down ! 

Bertha, {aside) He is worse than Othello. 

Partridge. And I didn't catch anything but one shoe, 



A MODERN OTHELLO 23 

one hat, and two canes. {Packs the shoe in the hat and puts 
them under his arm, raving.) Now to you, treacherous wife. 

Bertha. I don't want to defend myself; you are crazy. 

Partridge. I wish it was only this, but I must have 
revenge — bloody revenge. I will take these trophies to 
your aunt. 

Bertha. Well, I go with you, sir. My aunt shall learn 
all. 

Partridge. You remain here, madame, and early to- 
morrow I'll send you to a nunnery. 

Bertha. I don't want to be a nun. 

Partridge, {ironically) I guess you will not like it. But 
I must have revenge. First on you, later on him. Bloody 
revenge. {Exit c. in flat. He turns the key twice.) 

Bertha, {alone) He's raving. Oh, his first wife was 
right. 

Staggins. {putting his head through the door l. u. e., with 
broken voice) Is the tiger gone ? 

Bertha. He is. What do you want now ? 

Staggins. {entering with only one shoe on, staggering) 
The house door is locked, and I can't get out. 

Bertha. Ah ! The madman locked it when he re- 
turned. However, you cannot stay here, {seeing his 
fainting condition) What is the matter with you ? 

Staggins. My knees are shaking. {Sitting down, r. f.) 

Bertha, {holding a smelling-bottle under his nose) Take 
a good smell of this ; it will reanimate you. 

Staggins. Thanks ! Thanks ! {Kissing her ha?id) A 
thousand-fold thanks, madame ! 

Bertha. What are you doing? 

Staggins. Oh, let me — be convinced that my thankful- 
ness is unbounded ! But please let me have my canes, my 
shoe, my hat — and I hasten away — I must hurry. My 
widow came back ! I saw her from the kitchen window ! 
I must hurry to meet her ! 

Bertha. Impossible ! My husband has locked us in 
and gone on a journey. 

Staggins. Locked us in? And then I must stay here ? 

Bertha. In consequence of the foolish jealousy of my 
husband. It is too bad. 

Staggins. {aside) How beautiful she is in her anger. 

Bertha. We must find means to get you out. 

Staggins. I shall climb out of the window as soon as it 
grows dark. 

Bertha. Yes, do so. You are a man of honor. 

Staggins. Very flattering to me. {Kissing her hands) 



24 A MODERN OTHELLO 

Bertha. But, sir — 

Staggins. Do not be afraid. There is no danger for 
you with me. {Crying aloud) Ha! 

Bertha. Good gracious ! What now ? 

Staggins. I know what it is. I am hungry. I have 
had no breakfast. 

Bertha. Come, take a glass of milk. {Pouring a glass- 
ful for him) 

Staggins. Ah ! How kind you are. 

Bertha. Please drink. 

Staggins. {drinking) You are so good — so kind. {Again 
kissing her hands and rettirning the glass.) 

Bertha. Your thankfulness is very ardent. 

Staggins. I didn't know you at all this morning. 

Bertha, {smiling) And but for my husband's jealousy — 

Staggins. I wouldn't have enjoyed this charming 
tete-a-tete. {Noise outside, as of fumbling with key in lock 
of door, c. in flat) 

Bertha. Heavens ! He's come back ! We are lost ! 

Staggins. {leaping up) We are lost ! 

(Nancy, entering c. in flat) 

Bertha and Staggins. Nancy ! 

Nancy, {noticing Staggins, aside) What ! The young 
man all alone with my mistress ! 

Bertha. My husband has locked us in. 

Nancy. Locked you in ? Together ? {aside) He must 
be crazy, {aloud) A messenger boy delivered these two 
letters and the key to this door. {Pointing to door in flat) 

Bertha, {opens the letter) From him ! 

Staggins. {opens his letter) From her ! 

Bertha. Reading) " I have smashed the furniture in the 
room of your lover to pieces." 

Staggins and Nancy. Oh ! 

Staggins. {reading) " Monster ! I have the proof of your 
infidelity." 

Bertha, {reading) " I am locked up in the station-house. 
Please call at once and bail me out — that I may complete 
the work of my vengeance." 

Staggins. " Do not think of my marrying you now ! I'm 
longing for you to scratch out your eyes." 

Nancy. Are both of them crazy ? 

Bertha. With such a man it is absolutely impossible 
for me to live ! 

Staggins. Rather I'll be without her money than marry 
such a dragon ! 



A MODERN OTHELLO 25 

Bertha. He may stay in the station-house as long as he 
likes! 

Staggins. She may wait for me until doomsday ! 

Bertha. I will return at once to my aunt ! 

Staggins. All right ! I go with you ! 

Bertha. What ? 

Staggins. Permit me to chaperon you — you know you 
needn't be afraid of me ! 

Bertha. It is true. You are a man of honor ! 

Staggins. But, I cannot travel without my hat and with 
only one shoe. 

Bertha. Step in there and you will find the necessary 
things in my husband's wardrobe ! 

Staggins. Be it so ! Hat for hat ! — shoe for shoe ! 

Nancy. I'll go fetch a cab ! {Exit c. inflate 

Bertha. Do so — I will be ready in a few minutes. 
{Exit l. 2 E.) 

Staggins. The affair is getting interesting! {Exit r. 

2 E.) 

(Partridge slowly entering through the door, l. u. e.) 

Partridge. When I offered twenty-five dollars as indem- 
nity for the broken furniture, they took it and let me go. As I 
have not a dime in my pockets, I want to get some money and 
— my wife, too ! I'll take her myself to her aunt ! There she 
may prove her guiltlessness, if she can ! {Peeping through 
the key-hole in Bertha's door, l. 2 e.). What do I see ? She's 
packing her trunks ? What does that mean ? {Noise in 
Partridge's room ; a chair is overturned^ What's that 
noise in my room ? {Peeping through the key-hole i?ito his 
own room r. 2 e.) What ! my man ! — the curly-head ! The 
villain — he's putting my new shoes on ! What's this for ? 
Ha ! an elopement ! — Ah ! {hiding himself under the tiger- 
skin in front of the lounge). I will spring between them like 
an avenging Nemesis. 

(Staggins entering r. 2 e. with hat and shoes much too large 
for him.) 

Staggins. I can hardly walk — these shoes are too large 
— at least No. 11^. I have done him wrong — considered 
him a tiger, and he is only an elephant. 

(Bertha enteri?ig l. 2 e., bonnet and cape i?i ha?id) 

Bertha. I am ready, but let me tell you, sir, I do not 
want to raise the jealousy of my husband to a higher pitch 



26 A MODERN OTHELLO 

yet — and, therefore, must avoid every reason for suspicion 
I shall travel without you to my aunt. 

Partridge, {surprised, looking up from wider the tiger's 
head ; aside) What's this ? 

Staggins. You know well enough, madame, you don't 
need to be afraid of me ! Though your husband, the Othello, 
has seized my canes, forgotten by mere chance, spoiled my 
hat— 

Partridge, {aside) And his shoe, too. 

Staggins. Though he's pursuing me in blind madness, 
you know well enough, that there is no reason for his 
actions ! It is but the highest esteem for you — 

Partridge, {aside) That's funny. 

Bertha. I know, sir ! Let me thank you. 

Partridge, {aside) H'm ! exceedingly virtuous people, 
these ! 

Staggins. Permit me, therefore, to accompany you as 
your protector. A young lady traveling alone is exposed 
to so many disagreeable things. 

Bertha. You are quite right. 

Partridge, {aside, with emotion) An excellent young 
gentleman. 

Staggins. You, madame, will not misapprehend me, 
like your husband. Please accept my proposal — it is made 
for his sake. 

Bertha. You are right — for his sake I accept your pro- 
tection, 

Partridge, {aside) This generosity — I can't stand it any 
longer. 

( Rising with the tiger-skin covering him, one of his pistols 
gets accidentally discharged^) 

Bertha. Oh ! 

Staggins. {touching himself from head to foot) I'm killed! 
A corpse ! 

Bertha. My husband ! 

Staggins. The tiger ! Heaven help us ! We are done 
for! 

Partridge. No, my children ! I overheard you and 
am perfectly cognizant of the wrongs I did you. {throwing 
the skin off) Come to my heart, my darling, close to my 
heart ! All is well again. 

Bertha, {in his embrace) Yes ! All is well again. 

Staggins. All ? What about my widow ? She is lost 
to me! 



A MODERN OTHELLO 27 

Partridge, (to Bertha) We shall refund him his widow, 
shall we not, Betsy ? 

Bertha. If you like to — 

Partridge, (to Staggins) My house is henceforth 
yours — 

Bertha. But, dearest — 

Partridge. Hush ! I want it so. (aside to Staggins) 
You will tell me when an obtrusive fellow should approach 
her. 

Staggins. (aside to Partridge) I shall watch her — as I 
would my own wife. 

Partridge. I trust in you — I may be quiet — 

Staggins. (aside) Not yet — but it will come. 

Bertha, (to Partridge) And you will promise me to 
cease your jealousy ? 

Partridge. I'll throw it overboard. 

Bertha. (smili?ig and shaking her fi?iger at him) Keep 
your words and don't again be — 

Partridge. 



Staggins. } A Modern Othello. 




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